HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The Centenary University men's soccer team scored twice in the second half, including a game-winning goal while playing a man down, to earn a 2-1 comeback victory over Marywood University Wednesday afternoon.
Shane Gambarony and Aedan Dorwart each recorded the first goals of their collegiate careers, while goalkeeper Gavin Veres came up with a crucial penalty-kick save late in the contest to preserve the lead.
Marywood struck first in the 23rd minute when Grant Bernstein found the back of the net to give the Pacers a 1-0 advantage. The visitors controlled much of the opening half offensively, but Veres made two saves to help keep Centenary within one heading into halftime. The Cyclones came out aggressively in the second half. Nicholas Mustacchio and Gambarony each put early attempts on goal before Centenary finally broke through in the 63rd minute.
Gambarony delivered the equalizer at the 62:52 mark, finding the back of the net for the first time in his collegiate career to even the match at 1-1. Gambarony finished the afternoon with a team-high three shots, putting all three on goal. Centenary faced additional adversity just over five minutes later when Tony Garcia was shown a red card, forcing the Cyclones to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Despite being a man down, Centenary continued to push forward. Bryant Morales forced a save in the 76th minute before Dorwart delivered the biggest moment of the afternoon. At the 76:57 mark, Dorwart scored his first career goal to put the Cyclones ahead, 2-1.
Marywood immediately had an opportunity to tie the match when the Pacers were awarded a penalty kick just one minute later. Veres came up with the save on Owen Clearwaters' attempt to keep Centenary in front. The Pacers continued to pressure the Cyclones over the closing minutes, including an attempt that struck the crossbar in the 87th minute. Veres then made another save with 32 seconds remaining to secure the 2-1 victory.
Veres finished with four saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal. Marywood held a 27-8 advantage in shots, but Centenary put six of its eight attempts on goal. The Pacers finished with seven corner kicks compared to three for the Cyclones.
With the comeback victory, Centenary improves to 2-4-1 on the season.
